overextend

verb

over·​ex·​tend ˌō-vər-ik-ˈstend 

overextended; overextending; overextends

transitive verb

: to extend or expand beyond a safe or reasonable point

especially : to commit (oneself) financially beyond what can be paid

overextension

ˌō-vər-ik-ˈsten(t)-shən 

noun

Examples of overextend in a Sentence

He overextended a muscle in his arm.

Recent Examples on the Web

This balanced approach, blending gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles, allows Ford to tap into shifting consumer preferences without overextending on costly EV development. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

New characters and elements get added, the metaphor becomes overextended, and the idea that this world is meant to be a reflection of one person’s psyche gets lost in a sea. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024

When uncertainty sets in, step back, ask questions and be cautious not to overextend yourself. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2024

With a lower cost basis, there's more flexibility to enhance the property without overextending. —Danny Kattan, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing overextend

• overextend oneself

Kids Definition

overextend

verb

over·​ex·​tend ˌō-vər-ik-ˈstend 

: to extend or expand beyond a safe or reasonable point

especially : to commit (oneself) financially beyond what can be paid

overextension

-ˈsten-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

overextend

transitive verb

over·​ex·​tend ˌō-və-rik-ˈstend 

: to extend too far

overextend the back

overextension

-ˈsten-chən 

noun